A 23-year-old bringing Hoi An’s spirit to the world

Growing up in Hoi An, an UNESCO-recognized ancient town, Trang’s childhood was steeped in memories of lantern-lit nights, moss-covered rooftops, and evenings helping her mother at the night market. Through free art classes for children, her passion for design quietly blossomed.

For her, Hoi An has always been more than a birthplace; it is a living archive of culture and emotion that fuels her imagination.

That cultural heartbeat now resonates in her award-winning work. Trang recently earned two Silver prizes at the prestigious Graphis New Talent Awards 2025 in the United States, with a poster celebrating Lunar New Year and a logo for the Hoi An Lion & Dragon Dance Troupe.

This is a prestigious international graphic design competition organized annually by Graphis Inc., a renowned American publisher known for publications in design, advertising, photography, and patterns.

She also received Honorable Mentions for projects inspired by Faifo, the town’s historic name. Her earlier designs had already been recognized at the London International Creative Competition.

Outstandingly, this young designer founded Viet Faifo Gift, a line of cultural souvenirs inspired by Hoi An. She hopes each item will serve as a ‘cultural messenger,’ allowing visitors to bring home not just a keepsake, but also a fragment of memory and the spirit of the ancient town.”

Looking ahead, in the next two years, Trang wants to expand to other regions and create a Viet Culture Gift collection. “I believe in the principle of ‘think global, design local’ only by preserving authenticity can a product truly reach the world.”, Trang affirmed.

With such simple yet powerful philosophy, Trang represents a new generation of Vietnamese designers who are quietly adding new shades to the canvas, helping not only Hoi An but Vietnam itself shine on the global map of creativity.